Redding Trout Fishing Full Day for Skilled Anglers
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 8hour guided trip targets trophy trout and steelheadExperienced anglers fish Lower Sacramento or Trinity River systemsAll gear, food and drinks included for two guests
Ready to test your skills against some of Northern California's most challenging trout? This isn't your average day on the water. Peter Santley's full-day guided trip targets serious anglers who want to push their technique and land trophy-class fish on the Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers. We're talking 8 hours of focused fishing from a drift boat, chasing browns, rainbows, and steelhead that'll make your drag scream. With all gear, food, and drinks covered, you just need to show up with your license and game face. This is a top-rated experience limited to 2 guests max, so you get the personal attention that separates good days from legendary ones.
You'll launch early from our put-in point and spend the day drifting prime holding water where big trout hang out. The Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers around Redding offer some of California's most productive trout water, with deep pools, undercut banks, and rocky structure that holds fish year-round. From the comfort of a well-equipped drift boat, you'll work through runs methodically, reading water and adjusting techniques as conditions change. This isn't about catching numbers – it's about quality fish and improving your game. The boat gives us access to water that walk-in anglers can't reach, plus the mobility to follow feeding patterns and weather conditions. Expect to cover several miles of river, hitting the sweet spots where trophy trout feel safe to feed.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Nymphing deep pools with indicator rigs is bread and butter work here, especially when water temps push fish down. You'll learn to read subtle takes and set hooks on fish that barely twitch your indicator. When conditions are right, we'll switch to streamers and work the banks with aggressive strips that trigger reaction strikes from territorial browns. Dry fly opportunities happen too, particularly during morning and evening hatches when trout get confident enough to show themselves on top. All tackle is provided – we're talking quality rods, reels loaded with fresh line, and a fly selection that's dialed in for these waters. The key is reading the river and matching your approach to what's working. This is technical fishing that rewards patience and precision over speed.
Rainbow Trout: The Sacramento's rainbows are absolute fighters, averaging 14-18 inches with fish over 20 inches caught regularly. These fish hit hard and jump like crazy, making every hookup a battle. Peak action runs from late fall through spring when cooler water gets them active. They love deep pools during midday heat and move shallow during low-light periods. What makes them special here is their strength – the river's constant flow and abundant food creates thick-shouldered fish that'll test your drag settings.
Brown Trout: Browns are the prize fish most skilled anglers are after. These river-smart predators grow big by being careful, often sitting tight to structure and ambushing prey. We see browns from 16-24 inches, with occasional fish pushing 6-7 pounds. Fall brings out their aggressive feeding behavior as they prepare for winter, making them more willing to chase streamers. They're notorious for subtle takes when nymphing, so stay sharp. Landing a Sacramento brown means you've outsmarted one of the river's most educated fish.
Steelhead Trout: When steelhead are in the system, everything changes. These ocean-run fish bring serious power and attitude that'll have you questioning your knots and leader strength. Winter and early spring offer the best steelhead opportunities, when fresh fish push up from the ocean. They're less predictable than resident trout but way more explosive when hooked. A hooked steelhead will make runs that strip line faster than you'd expect, often jumping multiple times. They're the holy grail for many anglers – catching one is a career highlight.
This world-class fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot. With just 2 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed the personal instruction and water coverage that makes the difference between okay days and epic ones. Peter's local knowledge of the Sacramento and Trinity Rivers, combined with top-shelf equipment and a boat that gets you to the fish, creates the perfect setup for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to dial in your nymphing game, learn streamer techniques, or just spend a day chasing trophy trout with someone who knows where they live, this trip delivers. Remember to grab your California fishing license before the trip – everything else is handled. Ready to see what these rivers can do? Let's get you on the water.
This 17-foot ClackaCraft drift boat is your ticket to serious trout water on the Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers. Built in 2018, she's designed specifically for skilled anglers who know their way around a rod and want to target trophy browns, rainbows, and steelhead. The spacious layout comfortably handles two guests, giving you plenty of room to work your techniques without bumping elbows. Her stable hull cuts through current smoothly, letting you focus on reading water and placing flies where the big fish hold. The boat's low profile keeps you close to the action while the roomy casting deck gives you the space to execute those long drifts and precise presentations that separate skilled anglers from weekend warriors.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest, wariest fish in our rivers - that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These golden-brown beauties with dark spots typically run 12-20 inches here, but we've seen some real trophies pushing 24+ inches in the deeper pools. They love structure like undercut banks, fallen logs, and boulder pockets where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, especially on overcast days or during low-light periods. What sets browns apart is their incredible fight - they'll use every trick in the book, diving deep and making powerful runs. The meat is excellent too, with firm white flesh that tastes great grilled. Pro tip: browns are spooky, so approach quietly and fish slightly upstream of where you think they're holding.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the acrobats of our rivers - when you hook one, get ready for some serious jumps and runs. Most of our rainbows go 14-18 inches, with that classic pink stripe and spotted back that makes them so beautiful. You'll find them in current breaks, rifle tails, and deeper runs where they can pick off drifting insects. Spring through early summer is fantastic as water temps hit that sweet spot around 55-65°F. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and aerial displays - these fish fight hard from hookset to net. They're also excellent eating with delicate, flaky meat. During our trips, I watch for rising fish in the evening hours when mayflies start coming off. Key tip: rainbows often hold just off the main current seam, so don't overlook that transition water between fast and slow flows.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are ocean-going rainbows that return to our rivers as silver bullets - pure muscle and attitude. These sea-run fish average 24-30 inches but can push well over that, with bright chrome sides and incredible stamina from their ocean travels. They prefer deeper holes, tailouts, and current breaks where they can rest during their spawning migration. Winter through early spring is peak season when fresh fish push up from the Pacific. What makes steelhead special is their legendary fight - long, blistering runs that'll test your drag and nerves. They're the holy grail for many anglers because they're challenging to hook and even tougher to land. The key is reading water temperature - steelhead move most actively when it's between 42-50°F. My advice: focus on the swing, keep your fly in the zone longer than you think.
Redding, CA